Durham Striders Youth Association
The Durham Striders Youth Association integrates multiple aspects of wellness, academic reinforcement, citizenship training and family fitness to improve the overall health and productivity of the youth in our community.
The Durham Striders family is heartbroken to share the tragic passing of Carla McLaughlin Boynton and her husband, Andre Boynton, in a car accident on Sunday, February 22, in Detroit.
Carla was deeply woven into the fabric of the Durham Striders family. In the late 70’s, she began as an athlete, grew into a coach and official, and remained a devoted volunteer—always willing to serve wherever she was needed. There was no task too small and no role too great for Carla. She gave her time, her energy, and most importantly, her heart.
Beyond the track, Carla lived a life of purpose and impact. She dedicated her professional career to working with youth as a high school physical education teacher, shaping lives with the same passion, commitment, and care that she showed on the track. She was one of the most devoted, compassionate, and genuine people.
Most importantly, Carla was a loving mother, a proud new grandmother, a devoted daughter and wife, a treasured friend, a Strider Sister, and a teammate.
We extend our deepest condolences to Carla’s family and to all who loved her. Grief is born of deep love, and the depth of our sorrow reflects just how deeply Carla was loved.
Here is a link to a Google album for Carla’s family. Please share any photos you may have of her. https://photos.app.goo.gl/
Forever a Strider. Forever in our hearts. We love and miss you Carla Mac.
In Loving Memory of Walt Cleary
The Durham Striders Track Club honors the life and legacy of Walt Cleary, a cherished supporter and friend whose impact on our program will never be forgotten.
As the owner of his shoe store, 9th Street Active Feet, Walt ensured our athletes had the gear they needed to compete with pride—providing uniforms, running shoes, and generous financial support over the years. His contributions helped countless young runners step onto the track with confidence and dignity.
More than his generosity, Walt gave belief. He believed in our athletes, in our mission, and in the power of sport to uplift and unite. His kindness and commitment will forever be part of our story.
Walt Cleary’s legacy lives on in every stride, every race, and every athlete who laces up their shoes. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his life.
Please click the below Outdoor Registration Link for more details about the season.
Outdoor Registration Link
Congratulations to D’Anna Cotton, Chase Hunter, Diamond Moore, Dylan Watkins, and Aleah Weight for their commitments to the University of South Carolina, Duke, Jacksonville State, and Belmont Abbey. The Striders will be cheering for you!
Congratulations to our State Medalists and Finalists:
D’Anna Cotton (MVP): 1st 55H, Long Jump, Triple Jump and High Jump
Carlos Green: 3rd Shot Put, 7th 55H
Jaleel Griffin: 1st 55H
Addyson Hamer: 3rd Triple Jump
Asher Holland: 7th 55H
Chase Hunter: 1st High Jump
Alex Juarez-Lopez: 7th 1600
Diamond Moore: 2nd Long Jump and Triple Jump
Kaili Payne: 2nd 55h, 3rd in Long Jump and Triple Jump
Alex Reiter: 2nd 55H
Carmelo Salem: 6th 55M
Honesti Trollinger: 3rd 55H
Aleah Weight (MVP): 1st Long Jump and Triple Jump, 4th 55H, 5th Shot Put
Latest News
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDYzPtMwcVQ
Congratulations to Our National Medalists!
USATF National Junior Olympic Championships
June 21–27, 2025 | Savannah State University
The Durham Striders Youth Association proudly celebrates the outstanding achievements of our athletes who competed at the 2025 USATF National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships held at Savannah State University.
These young athletes demonstrated incredible determination, talent, and sportsmanship on a national stage. We are proud of their hard work and commitment throughout the season. The athletes came home with PRs and some with medals.
Congratulations to all our top 8 finishers — your dedication has paid off, and you’ve made the Striders family proud!
Check out photos from the championship here:
view photos
Keep striving for excellence — the best is yet to come!
#DurhamStriders #StriderNation #JOChampionships #USATFJOs2025
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Striders Shine at the 2025 Toyota USATF Outdoor Championships!
Hayward Field – University of Oregon, Eugene
We’re proud to announce that three Durham Striders alumni and two Strider coaches made a powerful impact at the 2025 Toyota USATF Outdoor Championships!
Khaleb McRae placed 3rd, securing his spot on Team USA for the World Championships in Tokyo!
Jessica Wright delivered a season’s best in the 400m hurdles, finishing 5th in a stacked field.
Jada Green earned a strong 7th-place finish in the javelin.
Coaches Austin Davis and James Isaac were also on the national stage, coaching elite athlete performances.
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Adidas Indoor Track Nationals
Shout out to our amazing athletes that attended and came home with hardware from the Indoor Nationals:
D’Anna Cotton came home with 3 medals 1st LJ, 2nd TJ and 2nd 60H
https://www.milesplit.com/videos/749448/danna-cotton-claims-long-jump-victory
Brooke Packingham-6th 60H and 3rd LJ
Leila Henderson 5th shot put
Kaili Payne 1st with a meet record in Freshman 60H and 4th LJ
Although they didn’t bring home hardware they had a pretty good showing for their first time competing Jaleel Griffin, Jonathan Gbassagee, Janay Pegram, Justin Lawrence, Aleah Weight, Honesti Trollinger, Tanda Adamou, Paige Thomas, Gideon Jones, and Joshua Elien.
Cummings & Coach Donnie Davis win girls 1/2A team title
Coach Donnie Davis speaks about winning the State Championship with 6 girls
MVP D’Anna Cotton- 2nd 55m hurdles, won HJ, LJ, TJ *set 1/2A HJ and TJ indoor record*
Also Congratulations to other State Championship Finalists:
1/2A: Janay Pegram 6th 55m and 4th 300m
4A: Jaleel Griffin 3rd 55m hurdles
Justin Lawrence 5th Pole Vault *set school record*
Doc Brenda Armstrong Trailblazer
Since 2024, the BOOST Science Program has provided more than 2000 hours of Science Saturdays, Team Leadership Trainings, STEM TREKS, STEM Nights, and BOOST N’ SCHOOLS for Durham Public Schools Scholars to engage in fun, hands-on science activities and spend time with BOOST STEM Partners, Coaches, and peers learning and informing their scientific inquiry and projects. We are eager to support innovative student projects that BOOST Scholars will showcase at the BOOST Symposium on May 3rd, 2025.
The work of BOOST STEM engagement and mentorship enters a new decade. On Tuesday, December 10th, 2024, from 6 pm to 8 pm, we invite all our BOOST partners, families, and community to celebrate 20 years of Dr. Brenda Armstrong’s BOOST Science Program, a gift to youth, families, and their futures. You will hear from BOOST admins, alumni, and community leaders who knew Dr. Brenda Armstrong and appreciated the impactful work she led with others to benefit Durham’s children.
We appreciate your support and invite you to RSVP and sign up to volunteer at Dr. Brenda Armstrong’s 20-year celebration of Dr. Brenda Armstrong’s BOOST Science Program. If you have any questions, please reply to this email or call or text us at (919) 627-8433. Thank you for being a part of our community!
Congratulations to Kim Graham for being listed on Clemson’s Wall of Fame
https://clemsontigers.com/kim-graham-2024-program-story/
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Congratulations to our Strider athletes for their outstanding performances at the AAU Junior Olympics! 
We’re incredibly proud of all our competitors who achieved personal bests and made us proud.
Here’s a shoutout to our medalists:
D’Anna Cotton: 1st in Triple Jump, 3rd in Long Jump, and 3rd in 100m Hurdles
James Coleman: 6th in 400m Hurdles
Jaleel Griffin: 6th in 110m Hurdles
Leila Henderson: 3rd in Discus
Justin Lawrence: 6th in Decathlon
Arielle Moore-Wiggins: 4th in Long Jump
Kaili Payne: 6th in 100m Hurdles
Your hard work, dedication, and talent have truly shined. Keep up the amazing work and continue to reach for nothing short of giving your best! 
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Shout out to the Striders that made it to the Olympic Trials. Your dedication and talent have brought you to this prestigious stage, and it’s a testament to your hard work and commitment. We are so proud to have such exceptional athletes representing us. Keep pushing boundaries and aiming high—you’re truly top notch!
Jada Green- Javelin
Khaleb McRae- 400m
Jessica Wright- 400m hurdles and 400m
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Coach Donald Davis Coach Of The Year
